The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-07-28
WHEN ROSES BLOOM. u

Robert Edbury allowed his horse to
walk slowly home. He had been away
all day rambling over the hills and was
now returning to the little watering
place where he was spending the Sum
mer, tired out from so many hours in the
saddle
II was rtttoiightful July night, cool and
balmy with the scent of flowers, and as
he rode along in the soft air he sang q
merry tune from comic opera.
Arriving at last at the top of high
hill he stopped his horse directly in
front of a picturesque farm house di-
rectly on the road.
He was about to turn away when
one of the upper windows was opened,
and voice said softly:
'Is that you, Roberto"
For moment he was surprised; then
scenting an adventure, responded:
llOW ulNl SOu hnoW ~ was IL
"Because no one else would be riding
about the country singing at this time
of night. What cold you have got
dear. Better go home and keep out of
the night air. Good night"
Gone moment" cried Robert Edbury
earnestly, as he leaped from his horse,
fastened the bride to the gate and
stepped inside beneath the window,
where CLEANED that mysterious enchant-
ing face. "Won't you give me flower
you can easily reach that clustering
vine by your easement. Perhaps-per-
haps shall wish to ask you some time
to forgive me some great offense. Won't
you give me a flower for token?'
GLOW strangely you talk. Of course I
would give you flower, but these are
only honey-suckles, and you know we
Isr,smised to give each other nothing but
roses. But stayn'--thc pretty voice
caught itself. 81 have a. bunch of
violets on my table. Would you like
them2"
"Anything--anything that comes from
your hands!" whispered Robert, more
sincerely than he always spoke.
The bright face disappeared moment
from the window and then returned. A
white hand cleaned in the moonlight.
"Therc, take them, and now you must
go! Quick hear some one stirring.
Suppose it should be mammal Good
night! dear Robert"
The window was softly closed, and in
an instant after Robert was groping for
the violets in the wet grass. He found
them where they fell. But, as they
were falling, the quick eye of Robert
Edbury had discerncd something, bright
as a star, falling too. The small strip of
grass where he had stood was entirely
in the shade, hidden from the light by
the large horse-chestnut trees, and he
had to grope in the dark for this glitter
ing thing.
An instant's search revealed it to be
what he suspected-a lady's bracelet. II
was q slender circlet of gold, studded
with crystal. The quick movement had
unclasped it from her arm; and Robert,
with smile, put it in side by side with
the withered bunch of violets in, hi.
pocket as he rode away.
The next night in the ball room of tn,
Spa, Robert Edbury was startled to heal
the soft voice he had heard at the farm
house window.
"You need not feel so put out" sh
was saying, 81 am sure he was gentle
man, and how was l to know in the
dark that it was not YOU" This speech
was followed by masculine growl.
Robert Edbury turned, and saw besid
him, leaning on that other Roberts arm
young girl surprisingly beautiful
Roses mingled with the bright gold o
her hair, shone in the bosom of he
dress, and a bunch of them was somehoy
interwined with the slender gold waist
chain attached to her fan.
Mr.. Edbury caught his breath, a
turning her face, the girls soft violet
blue eyes rested for moment unrecog
nized on his.
"Who is she2" he whispered, eageri
to his friend. GLOW lovely she is
What is her name? By heaven! l nevs
believed in divine loveliness before, bu
here it is, pure and undefled. What
her name?"
'It is Miss Chassdane," was the ans
wer. 'She and her mother live at tn
| Grove, half mile out of town.
"a farmhouse" remarked Robert.
, "No, it is not. 1t looks not unlik
i one. They are people of property
: Yes, she is very pretty. I'll introduc
you if you like"
Half an hour later Robert Edbury wa
) bending over the young lady's hand i
the pretty secluded gloom of vine
wreathed window. They were as muc
alone as it is possible for one to be j
the heart of busy, unheeding crowd
The first notes of a Strauss waltz wer
5 beckoning the dancers aud gay couple
!, went laughing, hurrying by.
''You are not engaged for this waltzl
> / said Robert eaucrlv